Island Hopping

Did you know the Philippines is composed of over 7,000 islands? While you probably won’t ever want to leave Siargao during your stay with us, we do recommend you spend a day island hopping while you are here. At Soultribe we can arrange for you to join a tour with one of our local operators where you will get to experience all three of these magical places:

 

Daku

Daku is the biggest of the 3 islands, but it is still pretty tiny. This is also the only inhabited island of the 3 islands you will visit. People here live with no electricity, the simple life at it’s finest. We love packing our lunches and renting a beach hut so we can run back and forth into the sea all afternoon. Did we mention the water is crystal clear? 

This is Guyam, one of our favorite small nearby islands. 

This is Guyam, one of our favorite small nearby islands. 

tropical island

 

Guyam 

Guyam is exactly what you think of when you think of a tropical island, sandy, round and covered in palm trees. You can easily walk around it in under 2 minutes. Make sure to get a picture on the iconic slanted palm tree and bring your snorkel gear. 

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Naked Island

You have to make sure the tide is low before embarking to Naked Island, otherwise it won’t be there. Yes, you heard us right. Naked Island is simply a patch of sand that appears during low tide. There’s no trees or wildlife, hence the name Naked Island. It has the making for a perfect way to feel unplugged, it also is perfect for epic photo opportunities for when you do “plug” back in.  

 

There you have it. Let us know if you want us to help you schedule your ultimate island hopping adventure while you are here. 

Brooke Mckallor
Our Favorite Surf Spots on Siargao

 

We are happy to say there is no lack of world class surf here on Siargao for those of you looking to get salty during your stay with us. Siargao has taken a top seat on the world map of surfing, especially since becoming a World Surf League destination. There are all sorts of breaks here that cater to anyone, from beginner to advanced. If you are looking for crystal wide open barrels then look no further, and if you are just getting started in the sport then don’t think twice, we have you covered. Below are a number of well known breaks to give you an idea of what is on offer. We also know of a few lesser known spots that we cant wait to share with you when you come and visit.

 

Cloud 9

If you know a bit about surfing in the Philippines then chances are you have heard of Cloud 9. The wave is a perfect A frame barrel that picks up any hint of swell, and the top quality reef can transform a few feet into wide barrels. It breaks both left and right, although the rights are by far the better of the two. This spot is not to be taken lightly as it is a very heavy and often crowded spot. Advanced surfers will have the time of their life here whereas intermediates may struggle. It is best surfed at mid to high tide, although some people take their chance at low tide, along with a dedicated group of bodyboarders. Even if you do not plan to surf here, it is worth coming to see such a mechanical wave ridden by the local shredders!

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Quiksilver

This is the next reef break along from Cloud 9, and it is named for its speed, not because of the surf brand! This wave is a great option for intermediates looking to improve their skills, and beginners can also enjoy this wave when it is small. The wave breaks mostly right and offers long peeling ride over the reef, but the left can also be a short and fast injection of fun. This wave is often much less crowded than Cloud 9, which adds to its appeal.

 

Tahiti

Further down from Quiksilver lays Tahiti, often overlooked due to its nearby brothers, but is always worth a look when peering out from the boardwalk. It is a right hander that breaks fast and gets shallow quickly. We have had a few amazing surfs here with nobody out!

 

Jacking Horse

You Guessed it, the next spot down from Tahiti! This is the last spot along this stretch of reef. As a wave approaches the reef it tends to jack up right at the last minute, like the name suggests, sending riders fast out of the take off. The shoulder often flattens out quickly but it is a hell of a fun wave. On bigger days it runs all the way down into the beach, becoming a more timid wave called Little Pony, which is a longboarders dream on its day.

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Rock Island

Accessible only by boat, this wave breaks in front of a dramatic looking island and is the place to get an iconic tropical surfing picture. The spot is a right hander that offers long rides and when it gets big it becomes world class, with a number of fast and barreling sections. You’ll be sure to get a few waves of your life here.

 

 

Stimpys

This is essentially a left hand version of it’s neighbour Rock Island, and also has a dramatic picture worthy backdrop. Both of these spots are enjoyed from low to mid tide, and so are great options for when the mainland spots become too shallow.

 

Tuason

There is something very addictive about this wave, whether surfing or just watching from land. With the right swell this spot produces incredible turquoise lefthand barrels that are sure to stay in your mind for weeks. Tuason is pretty heavy as it breaks over very shallow reef, so we suggest only surfing at high tide here. For beginners, there is a wave that breaks to the right side of the main break, and is often a good spot to learn when the swell is small.

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Cemetery

Another one of our favourites. It reminds us more of a beach break due to its many shifting peaks. The reef sits far out from the beach and is accessible by a very short boat ride. It handles all sorts of swell size and is a much more forgiving spot than its neighbours. Get out there early and you may just find a peak to yourself.

 

Daku

For the longboarders out there, we give you Daku! A boat from the local market will take you out to the island next to us, which is home to a deep water reef that churns out beautiful mellow waves waiting to be danced on. This spot is perfect for beginners looking to become more comfortable surfing reef breaks.

 

Philippine Deep

 A 30 minute boat ride will take you past a variety of postcard worthy islands and deeper water until you reach Philippine Deep. Due to its distance from land it is often not too crowded. Expect some of the longest right handers ever on your trip to be had here. After the initial take off the shoulder peels on for an eternity, often resulting in huge smiles. So there you have it, a number of the top spots here on Siargao just moments away from the lodge. We can’t wait to share the stoke with you both on land and out there in the water!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Brooke Mckallor
Sugba Lagoon

Have you ever dreamed of exploring the jungle on a boat to find yourself in a tropical oasis with crystal clear deep blue water? Whether you've had this dream or not, chances are you will get what we mean when you visit Sugba Lagoon.

 
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Sugba Lagoon is a definite must visit on your trip to Siargao, and dare we say it is our favorite? Hidden amongst a scattering of small islands outside of Siargao, there is something very magical about this lagoon.  

 
Sugba Lagoon, Siargao

You may be wondering what makes Sugba Lagoon so great besides the fact that it is surrounded by jungle and has beautiful turquoise blue water. We like to think it's because it truly is natures playground and it is easy to spend the entire day here enjoying the views.

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Spend the day drifting on a bamboo raft or take a dive from the surprisingly high diving board, perfect for testing your adrenaline and getting epic pictures for your instagram. Let's just say you won't be bored. We might even have to drag you out of the water to enjoy your lunch.

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What to bring:

Swimsuit

Towel 

Dry clothes for the journey back

Sunscreen

Everything else is taken care of.

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Come join us!

 

Brooke Mckallor
Magpupungko Reef Pools

Located just an hour away from Soultribe, Magpupungko pools are the perfect day trip for your holiday on Siargao.  

 

What to expect:

Crystal clear reef pools that are perfect for snorkeling and rock jumping. Incredible stunning scenery. Not only is Magpupungko itself an incredible experience, the drive there is also absolutely stunning. You will experience views of rolling hills, palm tree valleys, marshes, rice fields and rivers. Make sure to smile and wave at all of the friendly locals on the way. 

 

Magpupungko Reef Pools Siargao
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What to bring:

  • A sense of adventure

  • Snorkel gear (you can borrow from us)

  • Sunblock

  • Camera

  • We recommend packing a lunch (grab some sandwiches from Deli Street in General Luna) to eat after you've swum your heart out. 

  • 50 pesos for a refreshing post swim coconut

 
Magpupungko Reef Pools

Don't forget:

You can only play in the reef pools at low tide. Before you decide to head out, make sure to talk to any of our staff to make sure the tide is in your favor before you begin the journey. 

 

See you soon! 

Brooke Mckallor